The 80 Thoughts You Have During Pure Barre, Pregnant

Recently, I came across this post about the 100 thoughts you have during Pure Barre class and basically laughed my seat off/nodded right along. I mean it pretty much describes every class to a T. From rookie to veteran, some version of most of those thoughts runs through your head during the hour-long workout. I mean we all do KIND OF look like we're having sex during back dancing. 

However, lately, I've noticed that my thoughts have changed slightly. I'm WAY more desperate to think, "okay, I can do this." than before. So, while some of the 100 thoughts still apply, I thought I'd update the list a little.

The 80 Thoughts that Run Through Your Head at Pure Barre When You're in Your Third Trimester
(I really need a shorter title.)

I mean, the socks are basically perfect.

1. Okay, the thermostat is set at 76 today. You can totally survive that without fainting.
2. One day I’ll get my old body back, and then I'll finally buy some Lululemon. 
3. Why does every woman in here but me have on Lululemon?
4. I really wish I hadn't had that milkshake at lunch. 
5. Pay attention fool, you're kneeing yourself in the belly. 
6. Rock back on your tailbone? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA 
7. First set of curls. You got this. You've still got abs. Somewhere.
8. Remember to drink water. 
9. You're about to give birth, you can plank for ninety seconds.
10.  …okay maybe you can't plank for ninety seconds.
11.  No, you can. Hang on to it. Fifteen seconds. 
12. It's totally okay to cry during side arm plank right? 
13. Why is the "wrap and reach" giving me vertigo? 
14. Oh goodie, F’ing push-ups. 
15. Drink some more water you're redder than a tomato. 
16. More push-ups. Yay.
17. You did like 90% of the push-ups the instructor called out. 
18. You're basically indescribably awesome little momma. 
19. Shit. Tricep dips. 
20. Do I look this whale-like when I'm sitting at work? 
21. My feet are looking nice and balloon-like today. 
22. I really want a shortbread cookie. 
23. My arms are so strong! 
24. Why don't my arms look like this at home? 
25. These two lb. weights are heavy. 
26. If I can't lift four total pounds, how am I going to lift a baby? 
27. Yes! I got called out for good form. 
28. Wait, was it good form or hang in there? 
29. Either way, I’ll take it. 
30. AHHH STRETCH 
31. I totally shouldn't have had that milkshake at lunch.
32. First thigh, it’s a marathon not a sprint. 
33. Think about how small an inch is. 
34. Don't punk out of this first one. 
35. Don't punk out of this first one. 
36. It's almost final ten. 
37. AHHH STRETCH 
38. Why do people stare when I slide into a spilt? 
39. Left side, you're about to be my bitch. 
40. …maybe not. 
41. Seat work. I can do this. 
42. MY STANDING LEG IS GOING TO FALL OFF. 
43. I am so having a cookie after dinner. 
44. Pretzel. This is going to be fun.
45. Who is breathing so loud? 
46. Crap, I think that's me. 
47. Left side! Strong Side! 
48. …that’s from a movie, I think. But which one? 
49. Remember the Titans! That's the movie!
50. Abs against the wall, aka, folding your giant boobs into your giant belly.
51. It feels so good to stretch my legs.
52. I should be tucking harder but this stretch is really lovely. 
53. Shit, fast abs. Don't do diamond. Don't do diamond. 
54. Of course, freaking diamond. 
55. Mmmm, back stretch! 
56. Center of the room, almost to the door! 
57. C curve with a giant belly looks really odd. 
58. I look like a teeter totter. 
59. Strong arms up; you can do this! 
60. Time to rock some upper body curls. 
61. YES! I still have strong abs in there. 
62. Lower body curls. RIIIIGHT. 
63. I wonder if the lower body curls tickle the baby's head? 
64. It feels so awesome to arch my back.
65. I hate this arm/leg stretch preggo modification. 
66. I might topple over. 
67. Was I supposed to do 12 or 15 on each side? 
68. Everyone looks like they are having sex. 
69. I wonder if I look like this having sex? 
70. {stifled giggles; dirty thought about husband.} 
71. These songs always make me miss college and cheap kamikaze shots.
72. I don't remember this making the side of my seat burn so much. 
73. FINAL FINAL TEN! YESSSSSSSSS! 
74. I love the stretching. 
75. I really love the stretching.
76. Rock up? More like wiggle and look sort of like a fish out of water. 
77. My whole body feels awesome. 
78. I think I just meowed when the instructor stretched me. 
79. I feel amazing. 
80. Ah, yes, this feeling. This is why I come every day. 

_______________________

Linking up with Katie for Healthy Habits!

Healthy Habits During Pregnancy: Pure Barre

I've been #addicted to Pure Barre since I took my first class at the Montgomery studio on February 6^th, 2013, two days after they opened. I've taken over 200 classes in the last year and a half.

200! 100 of them in less than one year, and the other 100 while pregnant with twins, which doesn’t make me a rock star, but I thought I’d humble brag there for just a minute…Go me!

As with everything in my life, I find that I thrive on routine, and PB is no exception. When I first started taking classes I was in a different place life wise. I was working two jobs, traveling pretty consistently, had a bustling social life dating all the boys I could find and enjoying being me. I hesitate to say "being a young professional" because what does that even mean?, but I guess you could say that’s what I was? I took classes at 5:45am three days a week for over a year, and only one class after work a week. It was the perfect start to my morning, I felt better about the day and found myself not as tired or "slow to start" at work.

Now, my routine has obviously changed, as I can't ever seem to drag myself out of bed before about 7:20 at best. I take classes after work each day. While I miss getting a good start to the day and coming home from work around 5 with the evening to get some "chores" done, it was important to me to maintain PB as part of my daily life, even after getting pregnant.

I feel like I have to "make time" for Pure Barre now more than I ever did in my "previous" life. As a person that took to classes like a fish to water, never noticing that I had to make time before, this was disappointing. Though, I stuck it out and couldn't be happier about it. Classes have gotten harder as my belly has gotten bigger. In fact, watching me tuck, especially during the section of abs against the wall under the barre, is really a sight for sore eyes. But the classes have greatly improved my stiffness.

I was always flexible, and haven't lost any of it since getting pregnant, so being able to stretch daily really helps. I have a lot of round ligament pain, back pain and, sadly, all the other pains many have, and I've found this to be my relief. Sadly, the budget doesn't allow for the weekly prenatal massages that I've been told by other moms-to-be are ABSOLUTE LIFESAVERS, eyeroll on those bias.

Pure Barre is my go-to recommended form of exercise for anyone: pregnant or not, former dancer or not, super strong or not so super strong. It really works, with the added benefit of a mind escape and improved flexibility. And what lady doesn’t want improved flexibility? Classes are simultaneously fast and slow and will keep you on your toes for all 55 minutes.

I don't know what life will look like once Fitz and Alex make their way into this world. I've read plenty of things about "Momma guilt," being intentional and the whole working versus staying home thing, and how sometimes expensive exercise classes get tossed aside for "more important things."

A friend of mine, and fellow PB'er and ironically enough twin boy mom, once told me that you have to find out what works for your particular family and just go with that. Pure Barre makes me feel good; it is one measly hour a day and helps me be my best self. It's beyond a healthy habit, it's part of who I am, and I just can't see myself giving it up.

**Linking up with Katie Did What for Healthy Habits!

Road to 100

It's no secret that I love Pure Barre. When the Montgomery studio opened, on my birthday ironically enough, I was over the moon. Not only had I heard so many ladies rave about the workout, but as a former ballet dancer I knew it would be a perfect workout for me.

Original Image via Indie Film Lab

I haven't ever been an exerciser, in fact, during my lastmonths in Tuscaloosa, I actually committed to living a healthier lifestyle in an effort to become an exerciser. And I got there. I put running into my routine and it began to feel weird if I missed a session. Then I moved to Montgomery and some how got out of the rhythm.

Life happened: I became this fake grown-up person with a job and when I got home at night I was tired. I neglected things. Hell, I’m still neglecting things. (So sorry Ashley, you and Charlie still haven't gotten birthday presents. My bad blog, I just don't have anything "blogworthy" to say. No Momma, my house still hasn't been fully decorated.)

But lately, one of the few things I haven't neglected is Pure Barre. I've gotten sick; I've been out of town; I've been mentally not there, or too tired to go. But I keep trying to go. I have seen my body change a little, but mainly, I've felt myself get stronger: mentally and physically. I've gotten back to my days of high school-ballet-five-days-a-week flexibility. I feel a sense of community now with the ladies of the studio, that until February, I never felt in Montgomery.

Last night I found out that I've taken over 73 Pure Barre classes since I started/they opened. (I miscounted when I did it on my own…whoops. Math hasn't ever been my thing.) That's a lot when you think about the fact that I've probably been cumulatively out of town for two solid months during that time!!

It's my goal to hit the 100 tuck/class club by December 1^st. I would like hit it by November 1^st but I have two week long trips planned in October and I just won’t be around! I know I can do it. I know I will do it.

And I know once I do, I will have no shame in bragging about it!

Breakfast Wonder: ZonePerfect® Greek Yogurt Bars

It's no secret I love starting my day with Pure Barre. It's weird because I actually don't mind getting up at 5:20 three mornings a week to lift, tone and burn. The one thing I do mind about it is my breakfast.

Since I finish my workout and am home by 7, I go straight into the shower/my morning routine. And I never know what to eat for breakfast. Usually, I just grab a protein bar or Bolthouse smoothie, because I know I need the nutrients, but I never have the time am too lazy to fix anything else. I want to get to my office and not sit scrambling eggs or whatever. If I, for some reason, don't eat I not only get crabby, but I get a pretty bad headache.

ENTER ZonePerfect® Greek Yogurt Bars.

Thanks to Influenster, I received the Good Life Vox Box. Inside the box was a bunch of different health and fitness related stuff, some things I couldn't enjoy {thanks nut allergy} and some things I fell in love with. Like the greek yogurt bars. For me, they were the perfect amount of crunch and creamy. I've tried other bars that are way too creamy that had me thinking, "Ew, I have teeth I'd like to use them, thanks." I've also experienced the too-crunchy bars, which went a little something like this: "OMG WTF."

Imagine my delight when I was greeted with creamy chocolate and crunchy bubbles? pockets of vitamins? Heck, I don't know but it was delicious. Plus, 3g of fiber! 12g of protein! 190 calories! I actually felt full after I ate it!

I got the chocolate flavor in my box, which hello who doesn't love healthy chocolate!!, but they also have raspberry and vanilla, which both have piqued my curiosity. These bad boys will definitely be added to my weekly shopping list.


*I did receive this product complimentary for my review, from Influenster, but all opinions are my own—duh!*